Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  2004 XLE Sienna, option 5 - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Kim Buck - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is our first van and have enjoyed it so much. Were looking forward to our first "road trip" in comfort!

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  Smooth as butter - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Fill it to the Rim - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I was strongly considering purchasing the Honda Odyssey, but after I drove the Odyssey, and the Sienna, the Sienna won me over. It has such a smooth ride, which makes it very enjoyable to drive. The interior is pleasant and comfortable. Our kids really enjoy being able to have their own separate seats. The fold down rear seat is great. The exterior is cute. Of course, the engine performance and quality is excellent. To sum it up, were glad we purchased the Sienna.

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  TRY IT/YOULL LIKE IT - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By PATRICIA ROWE - March 19 - 2:00 am

  i WAS UNSURE WHEN WE BOUGHT IT, IT WAS MY HUSBANDS CHOICE, BUT BEING THE SOLE DRIVER, I HAVE LEARNED TO LOVE IT. IT GETS GOOD GAS MILEAGE, OVER 400 TO A TANK ON THE HWY. VERY COMFORTABLE AND HAS ALOT OF FEATURES. GRANDKIDS LOVE THE REMOTE HEADPHONES AND OPPORTUNITY TO LISTEN TO OTHER THAN "OLD FOLKS"MUSIC. VERY COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE AND RIDE IN, AND GOOD FOR ALL AGES, OUR CHILREN AND THEIRS ALL LOVE IT, THEY ALWAYS WANT TO GO IN GRANNIES VAN. FOR THE MONEY, I COULDNT HAVE GOTTEN ANY BETTER. I TRIED IT, AND I LIKED IT.

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  Home on the Road - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Stormy - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle out performs all my previous minivans, including from Chrysler and Mazda. It could easily match my Lexus SC430 in performance and features. Fun to drive.

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  Love our Sienna! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By estrings - March 19 - 2:00 am

  We have 5 kids(3 in carseats) and we needed a comfortable family friendly vehicle to accomodate us on long trips and lots of shuttling miles. The Sienna is incredibly comfortable with all the amenities you could ask for including space for my double stroller to be verticle in the cargo area and still leave room for lots of groceries! Between the DVD player and the surround speakers we are entertained no matter how long the trip. We thought about buying the Honda, but kept putting it off. We were thrilled when Toyota came out with a bigger van. You cant beat Toyota quality!! We give the Sienna an A+!

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  Consumer Reports is right! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Carolyn B. - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Ordered one as soon as the Consumer Report came out in October. Vehicle delivered around first of November. Have 4,000 trouble-free miles so far. Eight passenger option is nice when you have a crowd. Gas mileage has been great. Steering could be a little tighter, but Im getting used to it. No complaints so far. Looking forward to many more trouble-free miles. Wish I had gotten automatic doors for rear driver and back. Bach door is heavy to close. Love the hole between back seat and door. Groceries, packages, etc., remain upright.

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  Awesome - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Mr. Mom - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Great Van, much improvement from older model.

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  BAD MISTAKE - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By J MORRIS - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I HAD THIS CAR FOR FOUR WEEKS AND GOT RID OF IT. FRONT SEATS WERE EXTREMLY UNCOMFORTABLE. HARD TO SEE OUT OF THE CAR. TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT FOUR WEEKS SO I SOLD IT AND GOT AN ODDESSY. DONT BUY THE FIRST YEAR MODEL OF ANY NEWLY DESIGNED CAR.

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  Awesome - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By almc - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Great van very nice on long trips, tons of storage. Kids love rear dvd have driven all the vans this one is head and shoulders abive the rest!

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  Everything We Expected - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By E. T. Hebda - March 19 - 2:00 am

  As a "KidMobile" or "JunkMobile" the Sienna cant be beat. Our grandkids love it and we can haul around just about anything imaginable. Terrific pick-up and handling for a